To our dear friends, family, and fellow families sharing their lives with pets – I reach out to you now on behalf of my mother. At this uncertain time, when finances are already strained, one of the situations we hope mostly to be spared is that of a health emergency. My mother has spent the last 10 years devoted to an affectionate Golden Retriever, Katie, who has been essential in her healing after my mother’s husband and soul mate passed away from cancer. Through her grief, my mother has returned home every day to a warm welcome and unconditional love with Katie’s companionship. Now, she faces challenging news at an incredibly challenging time.

This week, a lump was discovered between two of Katie’s toes on her left front paw. After a fine needle aspiration biopsy procedure, the results have come back as MAST CELL CANCER. The news of facing cancer once again is difficult enough. The next step, however, of removing the lump for the grading of the cancer as either first, second or third stage is why I reach out to you. Due to the position of the lump being between two toes, and the necessity of ensuring the entire lump and surrounding tissue are removed, Katie’s toes must be amputated for the removal.

As a first step to her battle with cancer, this is a quantum leap. Without the funds to afford the amputation and removal surgery, Katie’s battle with cancer ends before it begins. The amputation of her toes and the grading of the cancer, in addition to a chest x-ray and an abdominal ultrasound, are the only ways to determine if the cancer is treatable or has spread through her body. It is vital information at a high cost.

At this already stressful time, without the gracious help and generosity of understanding individuals, my mother will not be able to give Katie the opportunity to live out her remaining years with her loving forever family. To have it end here, without the chance to fight for her life and recovery, is a heartbreaking fate for such a loyal and therapeutic relationship. And another crushing loss for my mother, at the hands of a ruthless disease I had hoped she would not have to experience again.

The only hope with cancer is the will to survive, to remain for more time with those that we love, and those that love us. With a heavy heart, I want to express our deep appreciation and gratitude for any help you may be able to offer, as your help is our hope. I implore those who can assist me in the prompt raising of these time-sensitive funds to provide my mother’s adoring Katie with the very least any creature deserves in the face of cancer – the chance to survive.

 

Amputation and removal – $2300

Chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound, and additional blood work - $1000

Post-surgical medications and follow-up treatment - $700